Cramps & period pain
Is period pain normal?
Let's stop normalizing pain. While period cramps are common, it is not something that should be accepted. Our periods are not a
time to suffer. We'll dive into the causes of period pain and cramping here and explore solutions to this issue.
time to suffer. We'll dive into the causes of period pain and cramping here and explore solutions to this issue.
What causes my cramps?
Period cramps (also known as dysmenorrhea) are the physical sensation of your uterus contracting. This action is meant to help shed the lining, but cramps can occur both before and during your period. To get more technical, it's all about prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, a hormonelike substance, trigger these uterine spasms. Higher levels of prostaglandins are tied to elevated severity of period cramps.
Other medical conditions
Sometimes underlying medical conditions can be the cause of painful cramps. If you suspect please go to the doctor as the following conditions can also be responsible for painful cramps:
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Cervical Stenosis
Easing Cramps
Ways that Herbs can
Impact Cramps
While many folks reach right for the OTC medications to help soothe cramps and period pain, there are herbs that are also up to the task. Herbs and botanicals can be consumed and applied in various ways; a warming cup of tea, a topical salve, or concentrated extracts and tinctures that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine or when you need them most. Here are a few ways that herbs support cramp relief:
Passionflower has anti-spasmodic properties to help in relaxing muscles and easing uterine spasms.
Mugwort promotes menstruation which eases cramping in the womb.
Black Cohosh Root is commonly considered a "women's herb" in traditional medicine, black cohosh root is one of the top specific remedies for painful menstruation with antispasmodic properties.
Ginger Root helps relieve tension in the muscles and encourages healthy, balanced menstruation.
Lemon Verbenais traditionally used to treat abdominal pains and cramping.
Motherwort balances and tones hormones to promote regular and less painful menses
Studies indicate that CBD inhibits the production of prostaglandins which are associated with period cramps.